Meet the candidates: Canandaigua City Council Ward 3

After serving her second term as the Ward 3 City Council candidate, Karen White will face off against Ryan Akin during the Nov. 5.

After serving her second term as the Ward 3 City Council candidate, Karen White will face off against Ryan Akin during the Nov. 5.

Akin currently is a member of the city's Zoning Board of Appeals Board. He's been a member since 2009, and is currently the chairman. Additionally, he is the Ontario County Farm Bureau President.

White has lived Ward 3. During her most recent term, White advocated for a tobacco ban in city parks. As a result, an ordinance is in the works that will that would ban tobacco use within 100 feet of public playgrounds in the city. White first joined City Council in 2009.

According to the 2013 city budget, City Council members received a salary of $4,735 this year. City Councilmen and women serve two years terms.

Karen White

AGE 62

PARTY AFFILIATION Democrat

RESIDENT OF Thad Chapin Street

FAMILY Husband, David Sr. and sons David Jr. and Thomas

EXPERIENCE Current council member; member of the city's Finance and Environmental committees

Q. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Canandaigua in the next four years?

A. In Ward 3, redeveloping blighted property and working with property owners to protect their investment. For the city, economic development. Both issues are addressed in the updated Comprehensive Plan which City Council will approve this year.

Q. Why are you running for City Council?

A. I am running for re-election to contribute to local government, protect our small town charm, and support good financial stewardship. I have lived in Ward 3 for nearly 40 years and want to see it thrive.

Q. Why are you the best choice to serve on City Council?

A. I fight to keep City taxes and fees low for Ward 3 residents while sustaining essential services. I have the time to help Ward 3 residents resolve problems and work to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Ryan Akin

AGE 35

PARTY AFFILIATION - Republican

STREET NAME - 182 Telyea St.

FAMILY - n/a

Q. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Canandaigua in the next four years?

A. Cost control and maintaining a balanced budget is the single biggest issue going forward. With both the police and fire departments requesting more paid staff positions, maintaining a balanced budget will be challenging. City Council will need to explore every possible option and look for creative ways to cut costs, and/or generate revenue.

Q. Why are you running for City Council?

A. Canandaigua is great place to live, and I am running for City Council to make sure it stays that way. I first accepted a position on the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2009 for that very same reason. I want to help carry on a legacy that has just marked its 100th Anniversary.

Q. Why are you the best choice to serve on City Council

A. I have a diverse background of leadership experience, in both the local government and other industries. I am committed to fiscal responsibility, and to serving my constituents as they so need and I will always keep an open mind on every subject.